In the week that Cardigan Castle was put on the open market for £1.25m, we ask some local experts what they think should happen next?

Phil Bennett, director of Castell Henllys - "Wouldnt it be wonderful if it was finally opened to the public? But before this can be achieved, whoever decides to buy it will need a very clear head and a very practical approach and my advice would be for them to get in touch with CADW as quickly as possible. In reality the restoration will cost a lot a money but like any archaeological monument, if its under threat then it should be taken into care."

Aneurin Jones, artist - "The castle belongs to the people Cardigan but if a private developer buys it from outside Wales, itll end up just like a Welsh doll. Theres no question that pressure should be put on Ceredigion County Council as its guardians, to ensure that it remains a part of the towns heritage."

Greg Stevenson, historic buildings lecturer at Lam- peter University - "£1.25m is an outrageous price which fails to reflect the fact that the castle will require a huge amount of money to restore. Heritage isnt for sale and for this reason the castle shouldnt be sold on the open market as a commodity. CADW should step in and using Welsh Assembly money, should purchase it and restore it for the nation. Cardigan Castle may not be as grand as those built by Edward I but historically its equally as important because its Welsh."

Cliff Blundell, traditional building consultant and architectural advisor at Aberglasney - "What price heritage? Cardigan Castle is an extremely important site, especially in the Welsh context, and every pressure should be imposed on Cered-igion County Council to go ahead and buy it. Being a scheduled ancient monument, a private developer would find it very difficult, almost imposible, to overcome planning restrictions so its uses for commercial or public entertainment purposes would be severely restricted."

Dr Geraint Jenkins, former curator of the National Folk Museum of Wales - "£1.25m is ridiculous and totally immoral. All thats left of the site is a heap of stones and a rotting mansion. Why should Ceredigion spend Mickey Mouse money on what is, in effect, a derelict site which can never be developed? My advice to them is to play it cool until the owner sees sense and lowers her price."

Elin Jones, AM - "My fear is that if the castle is sold to the highest bidder then it could be lost forever, both to Ceredigion and to the nation as a whole. Im still hopeful that it will be sold to a public body or to a trust but the price is high. One alternative would be for Ceredigion County Council to join forces with CADW and proceed with the restoration as a joint venture."